Iran’s Interior Minister, Iskandar Momeni, reported that at least 31 people were killed, and 16 others injured, following a gas explosion at a coal mine in South Khorasan province.
Earlier reports indicated that 51 people had lost their lives in the incident, which was caused by a methane gas explosion in the second and third sectors of a privately-operated mine managed by the company Madanjo.
Momeni mentioned that 17 miners remain missing, and their fate is still unknown. Rescue teams are currently 400 meters away from the site where the missing workers are believed to be trapped. Teams are expected to reach them by Monday after clearing debris and venting the excess gas.
State TV reported that 69 miners were inside the affected sectors at the time of the explosion.
Ali Akbar Rahimi, the governor of South Khorasan, told state media that “76% of Iran’s coal comes from this region, with eight to 10 large companies, including Madanjo, operating in the area.”
Labor Minister Ahmad Meidari stated that the mine had undergone inspections last month and complied with all safety regulations, denying any negligence. He noted that such “sudden incidents can occur even in the most advanced mines globally.”
The prosecutor general has ordered an investigation into the explosion, which occurred on Saturday at 9:00 PM local time (17:30 GMT).
